Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-02-04

the invalid. saving in "A low voice: How
do you feel, mother" The dying woman,
whose eyes were fastened intently ON the
face of ECr son. murinured, as with a
feeble motion she stroked his curly hair:
''Poor little Dan, you have been unsuc-
cessful"
Eyes, bad luck to-day, mother" an
swered the lad, endeavoring to speak
cheerfully, but unable to suppress the
sob that struggled up from the tender
heart. touched to the quick at sight of
his mothers patient suffering; little
Dams lips quivered painfully for an in
slant, and then he gave expression to his
sorrow and suffering by flood of tears.
"Oh, mother" he cried, 1--WE are starv-
ing"
The only response that came from the
lips of the agonized mother-herself
nearly beyond the reach of the tortures
of hunger-was, MY poor child! my
poor Child and encircling his neck with
one arm, she drew him close to her and
sought to cover him with a corner of the
well worn blanket, which constituted
her sole protection from the blasts of cold
air that came through the almost glass
less window sash.
"No. mother! no.' exclaimed the lit
tie fellow, resolutely starting up from his
kneeling posture and carefully replacing
the blanket over his mother, "you musn It
do that. l am not very cold, and, be-
Sides | can build a fire" saying which
he drew from his pocket match and bit
of crumpled paper, which he held trium-
phantly before his mothers eyes. Then
he proceeded to demolish his Improbable
backing box by kicking in the sides and
pulling the pieces apart with his hands.
Soon he had quite pile of splinters, and
building them carefully over his bit of
paper on the dead ashes in the fireplace
he set fire to them. and a cracking,
cheerful blaze w.s the result. Look,
mother isn't that glorious he cried,
turning eagerly to receive his mother S
appreciation. forgetful for the moment
of all his troubles in the glowing heat.
A sad tender smile rested on the
mothers face and she was about to re-
ply, when the door was pushed open and
womans voice exclaimed: "Mercy on
us. what a place!" Two richly dressed
ladies then crossed the threshold. 1t re-
quired but glance to assure them that
they stood in the presence of sickness and
destitution. They were members of the
Percival Square Church Relief society,
and sense of duty had impelled them to
visit the old tenement building. Little
Dan advanced toward them, and with
instructive politeness motioned for them
to draw nearer to the fire. I'VE ain t
got no chairs" he said, ''but we are so
glad that you have come" Mrs. Zeal
Gus and Miss Prim exchanged deprecatory
glances, and the elder lady, turning to
Dams mother, inquired feelingly; "Are
you in great need of anything"
1--WE have nothing, madam, but what
you see here, was the answer. Neither
my son nor myself has tasted any food
since yesterday morning.
And my mother" interposed Dan,
sis very, very sick"
This is suffering indeed!' said Mrs.
Jealous to her companion. I'VE must
do something to relieve these people"
Il do not want for myself" said the
dying woman, Il shall soon he beyond
the need of earthly care, but my poor
boy. please take care of him, ladies'
please keep him from want"
1--WE most assuredly will, my good
woman. and we will help you also. - re-
SIbOHutu MISS Till. Will Solilc wal
Mrs. Jealous we must bring this case
to the attention of the society without
delay"
Eyes. it shall receive attention the
very first thing tomorrow, and am ex-
ceedingly sorry that have no change
with me, for | suppose you are hungry,
my little man" continued Mrs. Jealous
placing her hand on Dams head.
Eyes m, purity hungry" answered the
boy, with a look full of disappointment
and grief.
"Well, keep up your courage" cheer.
lily responded Miss Prim, after she had
searched her portmonaie in vain for some
money, 1--WE will come tomorrow and
bring you something"
Little Dan made no reply. Long suf
fering had made him patient and brave
AS the two missionaries of organized
charity descended the rickety stairs to the
street he silently crept to his mother
cot, and, kneeliag on the floor, YEARLY
laid his head beade hers on the pillowles.
straw tick.